Functional detection of the original generation of hippocampal cells planted onto the micro-fluidic chip with artificial neuronal network using the patch clamp recording technique: A preliminary study.

The design of pattern that limit the hippocampal cells growth is an important explore for realizing a simplified artificial neuronal network in vitro. In this study, we examined the pattern in micro-fluidic chip to stipulate the hippocampal cells adhesion, growth and the formation of a functional neuronal network in vitro. Patch clamp recording technique was used to detect the growth situation and biological function of the haippocampal cells on the micro-fluidic chip which could simulate environment in vivo. We show that the number of neurons cultured is about 5000-6000 cells on the micro-fluidic chip, which is conductive to the hippocampal cells growth. The result of patch clamp recording technique show the signals of sodium and potassium channels, meanwhile, it also reveal the signals of synaptic connection. These findings involve placing cells in specific locations to create organized structures, and explore the spread function of synaptic on the micro-fluidic chip.